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Management of brain metastases
1Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
Cancer Investigation
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Brain metastases, often seen with widespread cancer, do not always mean imminent death. Advances in treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy offer patients a better quality of life and extended survival.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Medical oncology
- Radiation oncology
Background:
- Brain metastases are common in patients with disseminated systemic disease.
- While many patients face a short prognosis, effective palliative care is available.
- Progressive systemic tumor is the usual cause of death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the therapeutic options available for brain metastases.
- To emphasize that brain metastases do not invariably indicate imminent death.
- To discuss improving quality of life for patients with brain metastases.
Main Methods:
- Review of current therapeutic approaches for brain metastases.
- Discussion of surgical interventions, radiotherapy (including brachytherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery), and chemotherapy.
- Emphasis on symptomatic therapies for quality of life.
Main Results:
- A vigorous therapeutic approach can lead to years of productive life for a substantial proportion of patients.
- Recurrent brain metastases can be retreated effectively with various techniques.
- Symptomatic therapies can significantly improve quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Brain metastases should not be considered a terminal diagnosis for all patients.
- Physicians have an increasing array of therapeutic options to offer.
- Improved quality of life is achievable for all patients, regardless of prognosis.